If you love reading but can’t remember the last time you actually finished a book without feeling rushed, distracted, or guilty… you’re not alone.

Most of us want to read more. We buy the books. We stack them neatly by the bed. We even fantasise about quiet afternoons spent reading with a cup of tea…and then life happens.

A reading retreat isn’t about learning how to read better, faster, or more “productively”. It’s about giving yourself permission to slow down, disconnect from the noise, and finally spend time with books you’ve had on your TBR for ages.

It might be exactly what you need right now.

What is a reading retreat, really?

A reading retreat is a short getaway designed around one simple thing: time and space to read.

There are no packed schedules, forced sharing circles or 6 am yoga classes.

Instead, a reading retreat usually includes:

uninterrupted reading time
beautiful, calm surroundings
delicious food
optional conversations with other book lovers
zero pressure to “achieve” anything

You can read all day. Or nap. Or chat with others.

All of it counts.

Why reading feels so hard lately (and it’s not your fault)

Many people assume they’ve “lost” their ability to focus on books. In reality, we’re just living in a world that constantly pulls our attention in ten directions at once.

You’re probably juggling:

work that never fully switches off
caring for other people (emotionally or practically)
notifications, emails, messages, updates
the low-level guilt of “I should be doing something more useful”

Reading requires presence. And presence is hard when your nervous system is permanently switched on.

A reading retreat works because it removes the friction:

no responsibilities competing for your attention
no endless to-do lists
no expectation to be “on”

Once the noise drops, reading becomes easy again.

A reading retreat is self-care.

Self-care has become a buzzword. Somewhere along the way, it started to feel like another thing we should be doing properly.

A reading retreat is different.

It’s self-care that:

doesn’t require you to improve yourself
doesn’t ask you to share personal breakthroughs
doesn’t come with a checklist or a transformation promise

It simply creates the conditions for rest.

Reading slows your breathing.

It softens your thoughts.

It gives your brain something nourishing to focus on.

And when you do that for a few days in a row? Something shifts.

You don’t have to be an “avid reader” to go on a reading retreat

This is important, so let’s say it clearly.

You do not need to:

read a book a week
love literary fiction
have impressive opinions about novels
finish every book you start

Reading retreats aren’t just for people who already read all the time. They’re for people who miss reading. If you enjoy being around books, you belong here.

The quiet magic of reading with other people

One of the unexpected joys of a reading retreat is sharing space with others who are doing the same thing as you: quietly reading, resting, existing.

There’s something deeply comforting about:

sitting in silence together
swapping book recommendations over meals
talking about stories instead of small talk

No pressure to be social or to perform - simply a shared love of stories and stillness.

Why now might be the right time

If you’ve been feeling:

tired but unable to properly rest
disconnected from things you used to love
creatively flat
overstimulated and under-inspired

That’s usually your sign.

A reading retreat doesn’t fix everything. But it gives you space to breathe again.

To remember what it feels like to be unproductive in the best possible way.

To reconnect with yourself through stories.

And often, that’s enough to reset something quietly but powerfully.

Is a reading retreat right for you?

A reading retreat might be a perfect fit if:

you crave quiet more than conversation
you love books but struggle to make time for them
you want rest without pressure
you enjoy thoughtful company without constant interaction
you’re looking for a retreat that isn’t centred on “self-improvement” or spirituality

If that made you exhale a little… you already have your answer.

A final thought

You don’t need to earn rest.
You don’t need to justify reading as “useful”.
And you definitely don’t need to wait until you’re less busy.

Sometimes the most supportive thing you can do for yourself is step away from everything and open a book.

If you’ve been longing for that feeling, a reading retreat might be exactly what you need right now.

About Busy with Books reading retreats

At Busy with Books, I believe self-care doesn’t always look like yoga mats or green juice. Sometimes, it’s a cup of tea, a good book, and a few days away from everything that demands your attention.

My retreats are designed for readers who want to rest, reconnect, and read without guilt. Each one takes place in a stunning location, with nourishing food (authentically Italian - prepared by me!), peaceful surroundings, and a small group of book-loving humans who understand the magic of quiet company.

You can learn more about upcoming retreats by clicking on “retreats” at the top of the page.

Or take a peek inside one of our last retreats:

Why a Reading Retreat Might Be Exactly What You Need Right Now